RE/MAX Real Estate Blog

For the few romantics left out there (they seem to be a dying breed), we’ve compiled our favourite DIY projects to create this Valentine’s day. They are simple and inexpensive, two words you don’t often hear associated with the oft dreaded V-Day. Click on photos and titles to follow the links for super simple instructions!

1. For the Love of Wine

Crafty yet classy, this wine heart adds a romantic touch to a centrepiece (and is a great excuse to polish off a bottle or two!)

2. Paper Roses

These delicate blossoms can be made in any colour of tissue paper, depending on your decorating theme.

3. Marquee

Don’t be fooled, you don’t need to be particularly handy to pull this one off, it’s actually incredibly straightforward and can say any message you like.

4. iPods of Love

Though the instructions indicate that these adorable candy wrappings are for kids, I can think of more than a few adults who would love to get their hands on one of these custom candy iPods.

5. Printable Paper

This is crafty AND economical, saving you unnecessary expenses on gift wrap that you can simply print at home. It can be left black and white for a classic look, or coloured in if you’re feeling artsy.

6. Tea for Two

Who knew tea bags were SO easy to create? These lovingly handcrafted hearts would make anyone feel special and can be customized with favourite tea flavours.

7. Scrabble Frame 

Why put that old board game to good use and tell someone how you feel? This is such a thoughtful gift yet comes together SO quickly.

Perhaps you’ve just bought a new home, or recently changed living spaces. Or maybe you just love how cozy and lived in your place is. Whatever the reason, you’re completely entitled to want to stay in on Valentine’s Day. Just because your inner hermit is tempting you, doesn’t mean you can’t still mark the occasion on your own terms. Here are some great date night ideas that range from classic to the more unique:

1. Mini Wine/Beer/Whiskey Tasting:

Pick your favourite poison, and then buy all those tiny hotel size bottles that you never have a reason to try. Pick up some plastic mini glasses from the dollar store and a few of your favourite complimentary snacks. Read up on tasting techniques for your various drinks, and then take notes! Discuss! Make lists of what you would try again and what you would never buy.

2. Take a classic dinner and movie night to the next level with a theme:

Watching the Godfather? Why not pair it with Italian food, whip up some spagetti and meatballs or order in your favourite four cheese tortellini. Add a fedora just like the good old boys. Or choose another classic trilogy like Star Wars and see who can rig up the best Darth Vader cape with bed sheets. Then cook up some….what do they eat Alderaan anyways?

3. Wedding Nostalgia 

For those of you who have tied the knot, why not celebrate that experience! There’s a reason you took the plunge, and here you are now celebrating a day of love together. Why not relive your special day in a cozy and simplistic way.

Find the wine or champagne served at your wedding and pair it with a mini cake of the same flavour you ate. Then pull out your photo album or video and reminisce about your time together with loved ones while your wedding songs play in the background. Take turns talking about your favourite moments, or hilarious mishaps.

 4. Make a playlist

This is especially fun if you have wildly different music tastes. Can’t ever agree on what to listen to? Spend the whole night singing and dancing to your favourites and pick the best ones to add to your own special mix. Each take a turn adding songs so that both people are equally represented. The next time you’re on a road trip you can throw on your Country/Metal/Disney mix while remembering how much fun it was to make.

5. Fantasy world tour

Do conversations always turn into discussions of all the places you would like to visit? Take the opportunity to show your significant other all the offerings of the amazing cities you want to travel too, while hearing the reasons why they want to see their favourite places.

Pick your favourite or most mysterious locations on the globe. Cue up videos from the Travel Channel on your laptop and make some themed snacks. Sip wine while making pro/con lists of all your top destinations, and discover new places you never even thought to visit!

6. Spa Night

This idea is incredibly easy, utilizes everything you already have at home, and is completely open to creative interpretation.

Take turns giving each other back or foot massages while sipping water with lemon slices. Scented candles, incense, and classical music create a relaxing ambience for bubble baths, steam showers, and your favorite scented moisturizers. Anything you find totally realizing or that makes you feel spoiled is fair game!

7. Power Outage

Ideal for the playful at heart. Simply replicate a power outage in the most amusing way possible (maybe start the pretending AFTER you’ve actually cooked your dinner). Then feast away by candlelight whilst telling your favourite childhood ghost stories. Scrounge up a flashlight or two for making shadow puppets. Adorn yourself with glow bracelets and challenge your partner to Truth or Dare. Try cards or a board game to top off the evening.

We hope these ideas help you enjoy your very special day. If you’re looking for a new home to spend time in, CLICK HERE to search for available properties.